AN ACT ESTABLISHING PROVINCIAL CENTERS FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN ALL PROVINCES OF THE PHILIPPINES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFORE

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled::

Section 1. It is the policy of the State to accelerate the application and transfer of the benefits of modern science and technology, particularly to the rural areas so that the great majority or our people, through higher productivity and increased earning power, improve the quality of their lives.

Section 2. In pursuance of the policy enunciated in the preceding provisions, there is hereby established, under the direct supervision of the Department of Science and Technology, provincial centers for science and technology in all provinces of the Philippines. Whenever practicable, such centers shall be established in state colleges or universities specializing in science and technology courses, appropriate local government units, or private institutions of proven capability in science and technology.

Section 3. The science and technology centers are extensions of the thirteen regional offices of the Department of Science and Technology. They shall carry out the following functions:

(a) Identify the needs and opportunities in science and technology in the provinces;

(b) Implement Department of Science and Technology programs/projects on the delivery of science and technology services such as technology demonstration and transfer, science and technology promotion and information dissemination, and such other areas of concern that will benefit the people in the provinces; and

(c) Develop institutional linkages with provincial offices of other departments, local government units, academe and nongovernmental offices for the effective implementation of science and technology programs in the provinces.

Section 4. The Secretary of Science and Technology may, when applicable, designate from existing faculty and staff of the university, nominated by the head of the institution, the personnel of the center: provided, however, that he may appoint others who possess the necessary professional and/or technical qualifications and aptitude to work efficiently with the various sectors of the community.

Section 5. The Secretary of Science and Technology is hereby authorized to enter into agreements with the heads of the colleges or universities designated as centers, which may include matters or reporting and payment of honoraria to members of their faculty and staff.

Section 6. The Department of Science and Technology, in coordination with other government agencies concerned, shall issue rules and regulations to effectively implement the provisions of this Act.

Section 7. For the initial operation of the centers, such sum as may be necessary is hereby authorized to be appropriated from the National Treasury. Thereafter, the sums necessary for the continuous operation of the centers shall be included in the annual appropriations of the Department of Science and Technology.

Section 8. All government agencies and departments shall assist in the implementation of this Act by way of coordination with the Department of Science and Technology, technical advise, and other forms of assistance.

Section 9. This Act shall take effect upon its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.